Pope holds Jubilee Mass for deacons from around the world

Pope Francis on Sunday (May 29) held a special Jubilee Year Mass for deacons who had travelled to the Vatican from different parts of the world.

Deacons, which derives from the Greek word “diakonos” and means servant, assist Roman Catholic priests and carry out acts of benevolence and charity.

At the end of the solemn service the pope recited his weekly Angelus prayer and called on children around the world to join Syrian children in a peace prayer.

“Next Wednesday, on June 1, on the occasion of the International Children’s Day, the Christian communities of Syria, both Catholic and Orthodox, will join in a special prayer for peace, which will have as its protagonists children. The Syrian children invite children from around the world to join their prayer for peace,” he said.

Francis met with children at the Vatican on Saturday (May 28) to talk about migration, urging them to welcome migrants.